GOVMAN-2015-07-01-095ParentJudicial BranchUnited States Sentencing Commissionhttp://www.ussc.gov
Suite 2-500, One Columbus Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002-8002
202-502-4500YesYesYesYesYesPatti B. SarisChairCharles R. BreyerVice Chair(vacancy)Vice Chair(vacancy)Vice ChairRachel E. BarkowCommissionerDabney L. FriedrichCommissionerWiiliam H. Pryor, Jr.CommissionerJ. Patricia Wilson SmootCommissioner (ex officio)Jonathan J. WroblewskiCommissioner (ex officio)Kenneth P. CohenStaff DirectorSusan M. BrazelDirector, Office of Administration and PlanningRaquel Wilson, ActingDirector, Office of Education and Sentencing Practice(vacancy)Director, Office of Legislative and Public AffairsGlenn R. SchmittDirector, Office of Research and DataKathleen C. GrilliGeneral CounselThe United States Sentencing Commission develops sentencing guidelines and policies for the Federal court system.graphics/GOVMAN-2015-07-01-095.jpgThe United States Sentencing Commission was established as an independent agency in the judicial branch of the Federal Government by the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 (28 U.S.C. 991 et seq. and 18 U.S.C. 3551 et seq.). The Commission establishes sentencing guidelines and policies for the Federal courts, advising them of the appropriate form and severity of punishment for offenders convicted of Federal crimes.The Commission comprises seven voting members and two nonvoting members. The President appoints the voting members with the advice and consent of the Senate for 6-year terms. The President also appoints one of the voting members as the Chair and designates three others as Vice Chairs.The Commission evaluates the effects of the sentencing guidelines on the criminal justice system, advises Congress on the modification or enactment of statutes pertaining to criminal law and sentencing matters, establishes a research and development program on sentencing issues, and performs other related duties.In executing its duties, the Commission promulgates and distributes to Federal courts and to the U.S. probation system guidelines for determining sentences to be imposed in criminal cases, general policy statements regarding the application of guidelines, and policy statements on the appropriate use of probation and supervised release revocation provisions. These sentencing guidelines and policy statements are intended to support the principles of just punishment, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation; provide fairness in meeting the purposes of sentencing; avoid unwarranted disparity; and reflect advancement in the knowledge of human behavior as it relates to the criminal justice process.http://www.ussc.gov/aboutThe Commission also provides training, conducts research on sentencing-related issues, and serves as an information resource for Congress, criminal justice practitioners, and the public.http://www.ussc.gov/employmentEmploymentInformation on opportunities for employment is available online.Guideline Application AssistanceFor assistance, please call the helpline. Phone, 202-502-4545.pubaffairs@ussc.govhttp://www.ussc.gov/contact-usPublic InformationInformation on Commission activities is available from the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs.